A New Take on Superman

The latest "Superman" film, directed by James Gunn, marks the beginning of the new DC universe. The movie takes a different approach to the traditional superhero story, focusing on the emotional struggles of the characters rather than the external dangers they face.

A City in Peril

The film’s climax features the city of Metropolis being torn apart by a trans-dimensional crack, courtesy of Lex Luthor’s (Nicholas Hoult) plan to take down Superman (David Corenswet). However, instead of depicting the citizens of Metropolis in a state of panic, the movie shows them evacuating the city in a remarkably calm and organized manner.

A Shift in Tone

This shift in tone is a deliberate choice by Gunn, who seems to understand that the audience’s needs have changed since the post-9/11 era. The film’s Lex Luthor is a billionaire sociopath who uses social media to spread disinformation and manipulate the public. This portrayal is a nod to the current societal concerns, rather than relying on the traditional superhero villains.

Internal Conflicts

The characters in "Superman" face internal conflicts that are more emotional and personal than the external dangers they encounter. Superman struggles with the revelation that his biological parents were not as noble as he thought, and Lois Lane (Rachel Brosnahan) grapples with the consequences of Superman’s declaration of love. The trans-dimensional crack that threatens the city is merely a backdrop to these personal struggles.

A More Lighthearted Approach

In contrast to previous superhero films, "Superman" takes a more lighthearted approach to the genre. When Superman discovers that Ultraman, Lex’s secret weapon, is actually his clone, he doesn’t indulge in existential angst. Instead, he whistles for help from his dog, Krypto, and dispatches the clone into a black hole. This tone is reminiscent of the Silver Age of comic books, where the stories were more focused on escapism and fun.

A New Era for DC

The film’s final scenes emphasize this new approach, with Superman and his compatriot, Mister Fantastic (Edi Gathegi), repairing the damage to the city with ease. The two final credit scenes feature a lighthearted moment between Superman and Krypto, as well as a humorous exchange between Superman and Mister Fantastic. This tone is a departure from the previous DC films, which often relied on dark and serious storylines.

A Refreshing Change

Gunn’s "Superman" is a refreshing change from the typical superhero film. By focusing on the characters’ internal struggles and taking a more lighthearted approach, the movie offers a unique take on the genre. The film’s ability to balance action and humor without relying on forced plot points or teasers for future films is a testament to Gunn’s direction. As the film’s final scene suggests, sometimes it’s okay to not take things too seriously.